updated 07:05 am EDT, Thu May 9, 2013

Nvidia, Occam Partners, Shasta Ventures provide Ouya funding

The makers of Ouya, the Android-based game console, has received extra funding from investors ahead of its launch. The additional outside investment has now allowed Ouya to set the date of the official public launch as June 25, allowing more time for it to manufacture consoles before shipping units to retailers.

Ouya CEO Julie Uhrman confirmed the extra $15 million in funds in a blog post, with the investors list including Nest-investors Shasta Ventures, Occam Partners, the Mayfield Fund, and original Electronic Arts backers Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. Chip producer Nvidia, makers of the Tegra 3 chipset used in the Ouya, has also invested. "This is a really important step towards being around for the long haul," said Uhrman, advising that the funds will help increase production to meet the demand from retailers, said to be "beyond our expectations."

Currently, Ouya consoles are in the process of being shipped to Kickstarter backers and early pre-orders through its website, with all shipments expected to be completed before the end of May.